2025 South Dakota Governor's Cup

Presented by Chess Weekend, Inc. and the South Dakota Chess Association
US Chess Grand Prix Points: 80

$12,000 prize fund unconditionally guaranteed

September 19-21, 2025

Ramkota Sioux Falls
3200 W Maple Street, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57107, (605) 336-0650

Tournament hotel rate: $138.99 per night tournament rate includes free hot breakfast and four water park passes. Complimentary airport business shuttle and wifi. Book online here before 8/28/2025 to get the special rate.

5 rounds, Swiss System, choice of two-day or three-day playing schedule

Sections and Prizes

• Premier (FIDE Rated): $1500-900-400-250, U2300 $650-400-200, U2100-$650, 400, 200, U1900 $600-375-175
• Reserve Under 1800: $1100-500-250, U1600 $600-350-175, U1400 $600-350-175
• Booster Under 1200: $400-250-150, U1000 $250-150 

September 2025 Official Regular US Chess rating will be used. Unrated players may play in any section, but qualify for top prizes in each section only.

Entry Fee

• Premier and Reserve: $89; Booster $59 early mail-in or online by 7/1/2025
• Premier and Reserve: $109; Booster $69 early mail-in or online by 9/1/2025
• Premier and Reserve: $129; Booster $89 online after 9/1/2025 and on site
• Booster players rated 900 or higher may play up to Reserve section at Reserve section entry fee.
• Reserve players may play up to Premier section for $20 additional.
• Re-entries for $50 with appropriate byes
• GMs and IMs free entry if registered by 9/1/2025
• $10 Discount for SDCA members

Registration
Register online here.
Mailed entries must be postmarked eight days before any entry deadline, and should include player name and US Chess ID, section you’re registering for, full address, phone and email. Checks payable to and mailed to Chess Weekend, 21694 Doud Ct., Frankfort, IL 60423

Time Controls and Playing Schedules
1/2 point byes OK all rounds, must commit by end of round 2

3-day Schedule; G/90;+30 second increment

• On-site registration 6:00-6:30 pm
• Friday 7:00 pm
• Saturday 10:00 am, 4:00 pm
• Sunday 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

2-day Schedule

• On-site registration 8:45-9:30 am
• Saturday (G/60;d5) 10:00 am, 1:00 pm
• Saturday (merged - G/90;+30 increment) 4:00 pm
• Sunday (merged - G/90;+30 increment) 10:00 am, 3:30 pm

Side Events

Saturday night blitz, $500 prize fund based on 30 entries. More info here.